foreclosure

noun

fore·​clo·​sure (ˌ)fȯr-ˈklō-zhər 

: an act or instance of foreclosing

specifically : a legal proceeding that bars or extinguishes a mortgagor's right of redeeming a mortgaged estate

Examples of foreclosure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As a result, some opted to cut their losses, selling their towers at steep losses or leaving their fates to the foreclosure block. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Don’t assume that every debt associated with a previous owner simply disappears after foreclosure. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026

Ownership is not in bankruptcy, is contesting the foreclosure in court, has offered the lender any and every constructive solution, but will not allow these tenants to be further used as pawns. — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Sharma said the city would only end up paying for shortfalls if the Current ceased to exist and its properties went into foreclosure. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foreclosure

• nondisclosure
• postexposure
• closure
• crozier
• mosher
• osier
• composure
• cynosure
• disclosure
• enclosure
• exposure
• inclosure

Legal Definition

foreclosure

noun

fore·​clos·​ure fōr-ˈklō-zhər 

1

: a legal proceeding that bars or extinguishes a mortgagor's equity of redemption in mortgaged real property see also deficiency judgment at judgment, redeem, right of redemption, statutory foreclosure, strict foreclosure sense 1

2

: the extinguishment (as under the provisions of Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code) of the rights of a debtor in personal property subject to a security interest by judicial proceedings and especially by judicial sale see also strict foreclosure sense 2